VCU's Humanities Research Center will present a work-in-progress seminar with J. Molina Garcia, Salvadoran-American media artist, writer and educator. This talk will feature a discussion of the emerging field of ufology in the context of discarded theories of animism and ancient cultural knowledge. The session will be in Room 201, Valentine House, 920 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/ufo-studies-in-realms-of-the-indigenous-and-the-aesthetic.html.

Unleash your creative potential by mastering the principles of design thinking. There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as problem-solving, adaptability and empathy to current as well as future job roles. Through this immersive virtual workshop, participants will be introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping and feedback. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Manjari Kumarappan at kumarappanma@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-Sept-17.

RecWell’s Mindful Ambassador Program invites students, faculty and staff who are interested in creating a mindful revolution and healthier campus community. In this workshop, participants will learn about various types of meditation, belly breathing, mindful posture and special considerations for leading meditation with others. The event will be in the SGA Chambers, Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Starr Robinson at robinsonsn@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18382.

All are welcome to come to the launch of El Centro and learn about the organization's work to empower the VCU community, foster understanding and support interactions between VCU-affiliated individuals who identify as Latino/e. The group seeks to conduct research in the community through enhancing scholarship and cultural and social experience on campus. The meeting will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Questions: Email Oswaldo Moreno oamoreno@vcu.edu or Anita Nadal at the following email address. For more information, contact Anita Nadal at nadalaa@vcu.edu.

Discover global perspectives at the Humphrey Fellowship Home Country Presentations at which international leaders share insights into their cultures, public health challenges and personal journeys. Sessions will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 and Friday, Sept. 27 and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register and attend via Zoom at https://forms.gle/4YBV6x9gK2iLMDdj7 For more information, contact Heather Ashton at ashtonhr@vcu.edu.

Learn more about this benefit offered to all VCU employees. TimelyCare provides mental health counseling and resources to help you be the best you. This virtual session is brought to you by VCU HR and TimelyCare. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://tinyurl.com/2pspr4b6 For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

The VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation's Division of Research Development will host a virtual session to cover the essentials of competitive National Science Foundation proposals and provide guidance on a successful NSF resubmission strategy. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at OVPRIRD@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvc-msrDIuEtGh3iksPnEe-yxWBMwJ3MO1#/registration.

VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute's Experienced Supervisors Institute is open for registration until Nov. 1. This three-day course, Nov. 6-8, will help participants build the necessary competencies to move beyond the role of a managing supervisor and become an influential leader. ESI focuses on advanced supervision tools and tips and an introspective look at what it takes to succeed in challenging climates. The session will be held at Maymont. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Deb Taminger at dktaminger@vcu.edu or visit https://pmg.vcu.edu/professional-development/esi/.